Staff
ELIZABETH DIAZ
International Student & Scholar Advisor
617.373.2310
e.diaz@neu.edu
Elizabeth has served international students and scholars at ISSI for almost 30 years. An experienced international educator and former teacher of English as a Second Language in Peru, she advises on myriad international issues, including employment- and tax-related concerns. She is membership cochair of Phi Beta Delta Honor Society for International Scholars and coordinates that group’s Educational Seminar Series, along with other ISSI events, including Global Expressions and Common Ground. Born in New York City, Elizabeth shows her passion for intercultural programs by participating in dance performances and coordinating art exhibits and other cross-cultural events to promote awareness of the diverse international community on campus. She speaks Spanish and English.
TED FILANDRIANOS
Co-op Specialist for International Students
617.373.2310
t.filandrianos@neu.edu
Ted serves as a primary resource to the University community on a breadth of issues pertaining to federal regulations and employment-authorization procedures that govern international students in nonimmigrant visa classifications. He advises international students on how to maintain proper visa status while assisting them through the process of obtaining and engaging in legally authorized employment as part of their co-op, internship, or other experiential learning opportunity. Ted is bilingual in Greek and English.
ELSA GONTRUM
Manager, Sponsored International Student & Exchange Visitor Relations
617.373.2310
e.gontrum@neu.edu
Elsa, a citizen of both the U.S. and Switzerland, joined ISSI in 2003. She manages the Exchange Visitor Program and advises sponsored international students and scholars. Elsa serves as host for U.S. Department of State visitors as well as a liaison to representatives of the diplomatic corps. As a doctoral student, Elsa received a Fulbright Scholar award to research medieval European law manuscripts in Italy, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, England and France. She speaks Swiss German, French, and English.
WAYNE JENKS
Staff Assistant
617.373.2310
w.jenks@neu.edu
Wayne has attended universities in the United States, Canada, and Scotland, where he studied international relations. He has worked at ISSI since 1986, and is concerned with the department's front area operations, finances, supplies, courier services, paper records, and student employment issues.
LAURIE LAROCQUE
International Student Advisor
617.373.2310
l.larocque@neu.edu
Laurie has worked at ISSI since 1979, during which time her responsibilities have included immigration-related issues, orientation for international students, workshop presentations, and various ISSI-sponsored cultural programs. She received her bachelor’s degree in French from Regis College, has taken graduate courses in education and counseling, and received an MBA from Northeastern University. Laurie enjoys reading–especially books with cross-cultural themes–as well as cooking, and traveling. She speaks French, Spanish, and English.
SALVATORE MAZZONE
Associate Director
617.373.2310
s.mazzone@neu.edu
Sal, who has been engaged in the field of international education for 20 years, joined ISSI in 1995. His primary responsibilities are SEVIS compliance, systems management, and international student and scholar advising. Sal’s academic background is in anthropology, sociolinguistics, and cultural studies. Originally from Italy, he has retained that country’s passion for soccer and fine cuisine. Sal speaks Italian and English.
REIKO MORRIS Internatinal Student Advisor - Special Programs
617.373.2310 r.morris@neu.edu
In September 2007, Reiko became the ISSI's newest full-time professional staff member as she assumed the position of ISSI International Student Advisor for Special Programs. Her roles and responsibilities focus upon specified exchange visitors and students in non-degree status, short-term programs, and other academic initiatives that range from Global Pathways to intensive English study. Though she is originally from Nagoya, Japan, she has studied in three different countries. Reiko was an exchange student in Australia, she received her Bachelors degree from Chubu University in Japan, and earned her Master's degree from Lesley University in the U.S. Reiko has always had an interest in the impact of languages and issues germane to the field of cultural anthropology, which was her major as an undergraduate student. And like many who are native to Boston or who view Boston as their second home, she is an avid Boston Red Sox fan! Reiko speaks both Japanese and English.
KARINE NANAGOULIAN
International Student Advisor/International Admissions Specialist
617.373.2310
k.nanagoulian@neu.edu
Karine joined ISSI in 2002. Born in Armenia, Karine completed her master’s in civil engineering at Yerevan Polytechnic Institute, before gradually acquiring a new profession about which she is passionate: immigration issues and international education. Karine reviews and processes applications of undergraduate and graduate students, as required for visa eligibility and other immigration-related matters. She also advises international students daily. Karine, who has traveled extensively, was assigned to Armenian embassies in various countries before joining Northeastern. Her hobbies include international movies, literature, and music. Karine speaks Armenian, Russian, and English.
KHUONG NGUYEN
International Student Services Coordinator
617.373.2310
kh.nguyen@neu.edu
Originally from California (though born in North Carolina), Khuong moved to Boston in 1998 where he attended Boston Latin Academy for High School. Khuong entered Northeastern as a Pharmacy major in 2005, and began his association with the ISSI in 2006, serving as the President of the Vietnamese Student Association. There, he discovered his true passion working alongside international students and creating various programs for students to enjoy. Khuong began his current position as the International Student Services Coordinator in June 2008. He speaks Vietnamese and English.
NIKKI NICOSIA
International Advancement and Outreach Program Specialist
617.373.2310
n.nicosia@neu.edu
Originally from Iowa, Nikki settled in Boston after living in several regions of the United States. She received a master’s degree college student development from the Graduate School of Bouvé College of Health Sciences at Northeastern. For her graduate practicum, Nikki worked at ISSI, where she discovered her true passion: working with international students. Nikki coordinates initiatives including International Carnevale, ISSI Orientation, and the Global Connections mentoring program. She reaches out to alumni and parents around the world, both as a resource and to engage them in ISSI programs and services. She also advises graduating students throughout the “Optional Practical Training” application/authorization process and during programs that help acculturate them to the U.S. workforce and then reacculturate them during their transition back to their home countries. Nikki speaks Spanish and English.
SCOTT QUINT
Associate Dean, International Student & Scholar Services and Intercultural Programs
617.373.2310
s.quint@neu.edu
Scott, who has been actively involved in the field of international education since 1984, is responsible for international student and scholar services and an array of cultural enrichment programs that foster intercultural understanding and interaction within and beyond the University community. His work also focuses on regulatory and compliance matters that affect those in nonimmigrant visa classifications, and other current issues germane to international educational exchange. Scott has served on the national leadership team of the Association of International Educators (NAFSA), and is a recipient of NAFSA’s Region XI Sally M. Heym Memorial Award. At Northeastern, Scott has received the President’s Diversity Recognition Award, the University’s Aspiration Award, and the Outstanding Employee Award. He currently serves as advisor to eight student organizations. Scott holds degrees in psychology and mass communication, has studied at the University of Copenhagen, and was awarded a Malone Fellowship in Arab and Islamic Studies (Bahrain and Saudi Arabia). He was also selected by the Ministries of Education in Taiwan and Pakistan to be a government-sponsored delegate. Scott’s travels have taken him to nearly ninety countries. He speaks Danish and English.
RAUL VEGA
Data Manager/International Student Advisor
617.373.2310
r.vega@neu.edu
Raul successfully melds many years of experience in the field of international education with his expertise in data management systems. A national of Mexico, and a native of Guadalajara, Raul has primary responsibility for ensuring institutional and international student/scholar compliance through the advancement of data systems as required by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). In addition, Raul has an avid interest in the promotion of intercultural understanding through the numerous cultural enrichment programs and diversity education initiatives within and beyond the ISSI. Raul earned a Master’s degree in Management Information Systems from Towson University in Baltimore, Maryland, as well as his Bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems. He is fluent in Spanish and English, and his travels have taken him to such countries as Italy, China, Egypt, Israel, Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, Germany, Canada, France, and the Netherlands.